by Erin McGann, Providence
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
May is a special month. For Spokane, a sense of normalcy covered the town as Bloomsday returned in-person, renewing nostalgic feelings of community. In the days following, we celebrated teachers for the profound impact they have had on young lives. As spring continues to awaken, we turn our attention to officially honoring mothers everywhere. Strong women, representing countless generations, without whom society would be forever changed. May also sets the stage for the start of graduation season. Proud families who travel from every corner of the earth to applaud the accomplishment and start of so many new chapters. We conclude the month by paying tribute to the heroes who so valiantly gave their lives for this country; a sacrifice unlike any other. In all these moments, and those in between, it is important to remember that May is also mental health awareness month. In times like these, it is even more critical to keep in mind that “everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always.”
As I stated, this month is special, and in a month filled with so much emotion, celebration, appreciation, honor and hopefully kindness, I can’t help but feel EWI’s connection to it all. We have Bloomies, mothers, grandmothers, kids, military families, families of graduates, and even those dealing in silence with unknown struggles. If you’ve seen the movie Divergent, you may remember and even resonate with the main character’s powerful admission: “I don’t want to be just one thing. I want to be brave and selfless and intelligent and honest and kind.”
The May Scholarship Banquet is a time when young men and women stand up in front of our Chapter to share their unique stories, their hearts, and their dreams. Just like us, the complexity of each makes them who they are. The prompt, “This I believe,” is only a small glimpse, but it is a personal connection that I believe inspires all of us long after the banquet is over. During the banquet, we also recognize and honor their biggest cheerleaders—families, friends, guidance counselors, and teachers; without whom their paths may not have ever led them to EWI. The May Banquet is special. Collectively, in that moment, we all become proud parents who know confidently the scholarships we provide have a big impact on young lives—probably even more than we realize.
I hope to see all of you at the May Scholarship banquet, where we can connect, build community, and celebrate this special month together.